Ronald Edward Huckaby

December 18,1943 – December 31, 2024

Ronald Edward "Ronnie" Huckaby was a man of many roles: son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and colleague. He was a strong force who fiercely loved and protected those he held dear. Ronnie had a firm constitution and a deeply rooted belief system. He didn't trust easily…you had to earn it. He rarely asked for help, but when he did, it meant you were in his inner circle of trust. Faithful to his convictions, Ronnie loved life and fought hard to protect it.

Ronnie was an honest man, a loyal friend, and a child of God. He wasn't shy about sharing his opinions on any subject. Though he was no saint and made mistakes, it was difficult for him to say the words "I'm sorry", but when he did, he truly meant it.

Born and raised on a dairy farm in Tennessee, Ronnie's determination showed early. He wasn't allowed to join the men working the cattle until he could saddle his own horse…an accomplishment he achieved by the age of five. That unshakable determination defined him throughout his life. He graduated from Central High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1961. After that his family moved to Sarasota, Florida, and he worked various jobs before joining the U.S, Army in 1963. He completed boot camp at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and was later stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he earned distinctions as a Sharpshooter (M-14 Rifle) and Marksman (Carbine), receiving a First-Class Marksman Badge.

Ronnie was assigned to the United States Army Air Defense Team as a Nike Hercules Fire Control System Radar Technician in Kay Largo, Florida. His role involved maintaining and testing the offshore rocket missile system. The Nike missile defense system was a Cold War-era project designed to defend the U.S. against potential air attacks, particularly from Soviet bombers. Its radar systems were critical to its operation. After three years of active duty, Ronnie returned to Sarasota with his first wife, Shirley, and began a career at General Telephone. He continued serving in the Army National Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1969.

Ronnie spent the next 30 years with General Telephone Company, working across various roles in telecommunications. Known for his dedication and ingenuity, he and his colleagues tackled countless challenges in an ever-evolving industry.

In his spare time, Ronnie pursued his passion for horseback riding, cutting horses, and rodeos. He excelled in cutting horse competitions, earning numerous trophies and buckles, including the 1979 Florida State $500.00 Novice Horse Championship. When rodeo life slowed, he stayed active in other ventures, including a successful second career in real estate, for which his natural charisma and gift of gab were perfectly suited. He then worked as an environmental inspector for Ripa & Associates, a land development construction company.

Ronnie was a natural storyteller and jokester. Known as the "President of the Liars' Club" on Sunday mornings at church, he loved to entertain. He also had a deep appreciation for guns, knives, and tools, often serving as the unofficial "gun runner" in the church yard trading guns.

In 2012, Ronnie was given a second chance at life through a double lung transplant…a gift from a young, selfless donor. He made the most of this extraordinary opportunity, creating memories with his family that will sustain them in the years ahead. Up until two months ago, Ronnie was taking guitar lessons twice a week.  Simply put, he was un-stoppable.

Ronnie is survived by his wife of 24 years, Shelley; three children: Michael Huckaby, Cindy (Huckaby) Reiser, and Lisa (Huckaby) Wells; two stepchildren: Jason and Jeffrey Hedgepath; five grandchildren: Macara (who he raised since she was six weeks old), Megan, Lexi, Amy, and Aubrey; one grandson: AJ; and two great-grandsons: Austin and Jaxon. Also survived by two brothers: Roy (Connie) and Carl (Brenda) Huckaby.

Ronnie loved his life, family, and friends. He often reminded those he loved to always remember…

Make your choices based on the information available at hand…and don't look back.

Life is short…Thank God for every day He gives you.

Always know…I Love You.